Presenter Alison Hammond became emotional on Friday’s episode of This Morning as she discussed the recent controversy surrounding her former co-presenter, Phillip Schofield. Schofield had recently stepped down from the show after admitting to having lied about a relationship with a younger colleague. The revelation left Hammond grappling with conflicting emotions, which she shared with viewers.
In a heartfelt moment, Hammond expressed her pain and love for Schofield, saying, “I’m finding it really painful, I loved Phillip Schofield. It’s weird because I still love Phillip Schofield, however, what he’s done is wrong. He’s admitted it, he’s said sorry.” Reflecting on her struggle to process the situation, she recalled her mother’s wise words, emphasizing the importance of not passing judgment.
Hammond’s emotional response came as This Morning delved into the controversy for the first time since Schofield’s departure. The former presenter, in subsequent interviews, denied accusations of grooming and clarified that the relationship had started when his younger colleague was 20 years old. Schofield chose not to disclose the man’s identity and requested privacy for him, asserting that the individual had done “nothing wrong.”
ITV, the broadcasting network that airs This Morning, has initiated an external investigation to examine its handling of the relationship between Schofield and the colleague. While internal investigations were conducted in 2020, both Schofield and the young man denied the rumors at that time. ITV’s chief executive, Dame Carolyn McCall, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and pledged to address any emerging issues promptly.
Holly Willoughby, Schofield’s long-time co-presenter, also expressed her emotional response to the news, revealing that she needed time to process the situation and expressing her hurt over Schofield’s deception regarding the affair. As the investigation unfolds, ITV aims to ensure transparency and accountability while respecting the privacy of all parties involved.
As the story continues to unfold, the repercussions of Phillip Schofield’s revelation have cast a somber mood over This Morning, prompting emotional reflections from both Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby. The show remains committed to providing a platform for open dialogue and discussion, as viewers and the public grapple with the complexities of this controversy.